Spring in Japan is full of holidays, festivals and celebrations. It’s a time when people come together to enjoy unique traditions that have been around for generations.
From throwing beans to bring good luck at Setsubun, to the nationwide public holidays of Golden Week, spring in Japan has so many fun customs, tasty seasonal foods, and beautiful decorations to enjoy!
These holidays show just how much nature, family, and the seasons mean in Japanese culture.
In this post, we’ll take you through the most important Japanese spring festivals and holidays and how they’re celebrated, so you can enjoy a glimpse of this special season – wherever you are.
Let’s dive in!
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Setsubun – February 2nd, 3rd or 4th
Setsubun marks the end of winter and the start of spring on the traditional Japanese calendar. It’s all about driving out bad luck and welcoming good fortune for the year ahead.
Setsubun usually falls on February 3rd. However, the date is determined by the lunar calendar and it depends on the positions of the sun and the earth. In 2025, it will fall on Sunday, February 2nd.
The main custom is mame-maki (豆撒き / まめまき), which means “bean throwing.” Families throw roasted soybeans, either outside their homes or at someone dressed as a demon (oni – 鬼 / おに), while shouting, “Oni wa soto! Fuku wa uchi!” (“Out with the demons! In with good fortune!”).
It’s a fun tradition, especially for kids, who usually take on the role of tossing the beans.
Another popular Setsubun custom is eating ehōmaki (恵方巻 / えほうまき). This is a large, uncut sushi roll that’s eaten silently while facing the year’s lucky direction, which changes annually. It’s said to bring prosperity if you eat it all in one go without speaking!
The lucky direction for 2025 is west-southwest.
Setsubun is not a national holiday, so people would usually enjoy these traditions in the evening after school or work.
Decorations also play a part, with hiiragi iwashi (柊鰯 / ひいらぎいわし) – holly leaves and sardine heads – hung outside doors to keep evil spirits away.
Setsubun is a fresh start – a chance to clear out bad energy and get ready for the brightness of spring. It’s a fun and meaningful way to begin the season!
Hinamatsuri (Doll Festival) – March 3rd
Hinamatsuri (雛祭り / ひなまつり), also known as Doll Festival or Girls’ Day, is a celebration of health and happiness for girls in Japan.
It is not a public holiday in Japan, but it is a historic festival with many traditional foods and decorations.
Families with daughters set up beautiful displays of hina-ningyō (雛人形 / ひなにんぎょう), or hina dolls, dressed in traditional Heian-era clothing. These dolls are arranged on tiered platforms, with the emperor and empress at the top and court attendants below.
Customs surrounding hinamatsuri include prayers for the wellbeing and future success of daughters.
It’s also believed that you should take down the doll displays promptly after the festival ends, as leaving them out too long is said to delay a girl’s marriage!
Food is an important part of the celebration. Families enjoy hishimochi (菱餅 / ひしもち), a three-layered mochi (sticky rice) cake in pink, white, and green, representing health, purity, and new growth.
Another favourite is chirashizushi (ちらし寿司 / ちらしずし), meaning ‘scattered sushi’. This is a colourful dish of vinegared rice in a bowl, topped with a mix of sashimi, ikura (salmon roe), egg and vegetables.
Sweet treats like hina-arare (雛あられ / ひなあられ), small puffed rice crackers, are also popular.
Decorations often include peach blossoms (momo no hana – 桃の花 / もものはな), symbolising femininity and resilience.
Hinamatsuri is a lovely tradition that brings families together to celebrate their daughters and wish for their bright futures.
White Day – March 14th
White Day (ホワイトデー) is the counterpart to Valentine’s Day in Japan. On Valentine’s Day, women give chocolate to men. White Day one month later is the day when men return the favour and give gifts to those who showed them kindness on February 14th.
The holiday started in the 1970s as a marketing campaign, but it quickly became a beloved tradition. While Valentine’s Day in Japan is all about women giving chocolate, White Day flips the script. Men give gifts to express gratitude or affection, depending on the relationship.
Traditionally, White Day gifts are white-themed, such as shirochoko (白チョコ / しろちょこ) – white chocolate – or marshmallows. These days, the range of gifts has expanded to include jewellery, accessories, and sakura-themed sweets.
There’s also an unwritten rule known as sanbai gaeshi (三倍返し / さんばいがえし), which means the return gift should be worth two to three times more than what was received on Valentine’s Day.
The holiday is not just about romance – men often give small tokens of appreciation to friends, family, or colleagues who gifted them chocolate on Valentine’s Day.
White Day adds balance to Japan’s spring celebrations, offering a way to show appreciation and return kindness.
Vernal Equinox Day (shunbun no hi) – March 20th or 21st
Shunbun no hi (春分の日 / しゅんぶんのひ), or Vernal Equinox Day, is a national holiday in Japan that celebrates the arrival of spring and the balance of nature.
It’s a time to appreciate the changing seasons and spend time with family.
One of the key customs is visiting family graves. Families clean the gravesites and leave offerings like flowers, incense, and food to honour their ancestors. This practice, known as haka mairi (墓参り / はかまいり), reflects the Japanese value of maintaining strong family ties, even after loved ones have passed.
Seasonal foods are also an important part of shunbun no hi. Families often prepare dishes using fresh spring vegetables and enjoy botamochi (牡丹餅 / ぼたもち), a sweet rice cake covered in red bean paste. The name botamochi comes from the botan (peony) flower, symbolising spring.
The holiday also emphasises harmony and balance, as the day marks the moment when day and night are of equal length. It’s a reminder to find balance in life and appreciate the natural world.
Whether through quiet reflection at a gravesite or enjoying a meal with family, shunbun no hi is a beautiful way to welcome spring and celebrate renewal.
Hanami (cherry blossom viewing) – Late March/early April
Hanami (花見 / はなみ) means “flower viewing,” and it’s one of Japan’s favourite spring traditions. It’s all about spending time with friends and family under the beautiful cherry blossoms (sakura – 桜 / さくら).
During hanami, parks and gardens across Japan are full of people having picnics under the trees. You’ll see groups spreading out picnic mats (shikimono – 敷物 / しきもの) and enjoying food, drinks, and the amazing view of the blossoms.
Food is a big part of hanami. Bento boxes filled with spring treats, dango (団子 / だんご) skewers, and sakura-flavoured sweets are all popular. Drinks like sake (nihonshu – 日本酒 / にほんしゅ) and beer are common too, especially for evening gatherings.
Some places have nighttime hanami called yozakura (夜桜 / よざくら), where the trees are lit up with lanterns for an even more magical experience.
But hanami isn’t just about the flowers or the food – it’s a time to relax, enjoy the season, and spend quality time with loved ones. The short blooming season of sakura reminds everyone to appreciate the moment while it lasts.
Golden Week – Japan’s springtime celebration
Golden Week is one of the most exciting times of the year in Japan. It’s a string of four national holidays that happen back-to-back, giving many people a rare chance to take a longer break. The whole country comes alive with travel, family gatherings, and celebrations.
Here’s a look at the four holidays that make up Golden Week:
Showa Day (April 29th)
Showa no hi (昭和の日 / しょうわのひ) celebrates the birthday of Emperor Showa, who reigned from 1926 to 1989. This day is a time to reflect on Japan’s history and remember the challenges and achievements of the Showa era.
Families might visit museums or historical sites, while others use the day to enjoy simple, nostalgic traditions like preparing meals that reflect the era, such as grilled fish or seasonal vegetables.
Constitution Memorial Day (May 3rd)
Kenpō kinenbi (憲法記念日 / けんぽうきねんび) marks the anniversary of Japan’s post-war constitution, which came into effect in 1947. It’s a day to think about democracy, peace, and how far Japan has come since then.
Public events and ceremonies are common, but many people simply enjoy the day off with family or friends. It’s also a great time for outdoor activities like hiking or visiting parks.
Greenery Day (May 4th)
Midori no hi (みどりの日 / みどりのひ) is all about celebrating nature. It’s the perfect excuse to head outside and enjoy Japan’s beautiful spring scenery.
Families often visit gardens, parks, or forests, soaking in the fresh air and seasonal flowers. Traditional meals might feature spring vegetables, keeping things light and fresh to match the theme of nature.
Children’s Day (May 5th)
Kodomo no hi (子供の日 / こどものひ) is a special day to celebrate children’s health, happiness, and growth. Originally called Boys’ Day, it now honours all children.
Homes are decorated with koinobori (鯉のぼり / こいのぼり), colourful carp streamers that represent strength and success. Inside, families with sons might display samurai helmets (kabuto – 兜 / かぶと), which symbolise protection and bravery. These are often bought or gifted when a male child is born.
Traditional treats for kodomo no hi include kashiwa mochi (柏餅 / かしわもち), sweet rice cakes wrapped in oak leaves, and chimaki (ちまき / ちまき), sweet dumplings wrapped in bamboo leaves. Families spend the day together, and may pray for their children’s bright futures.
Modern Spring Celebrations
While traditional holidays like setsubun and hinamatsuri are still widely celebrated, modern spring events in Japan add a fresh twist to the season.
One popular trend is sakura-themed illuminations. Parks, temples, and shopping areas light up cherry trees at night, creating stunning displays that attract locals and tourists alike. These yozakura (夜桜 / よざくら) events are perfect for taking memorable photos or enjoying an evening stroll under the glowing blossoms.
Pop-up cafes and seasonal menus also add to the excitement. During spring, many restaurants and cafes release limited-edition sakura-themed treats, from lattes and cakes to savoury dishes with a pink twist.
It’s not just food – you’ll also find sakura-inspired fashion and home decor in stores.
For younger generations, spring is also about capturing the moment. Social media is filled with people sharing pictures of cherry blossoms, hanami picnics, and their favourite sakura-inspired finds.
The blend of tradition and modern trends shows how Japan continues to honour the season in creative new ways.
Have you experienced springtime in Japan?
Spring in Japan is a season of beauty, tradition, and celebration. From ancient customs like setsubun and hinamatsuri to modern sakura-themed trending products, it’s a time to embrace the short season of renewal.
Whether you’re enjoying the blossoms or celebrating Golden Week, spring in Japan is truly unforgettable!
Have you ever spent a spring in Japan – or perhaps you’re planning a trip? What was your favourite event or experience? Please share in the comments below!
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Rebecca is the founder of Team Japanese. She spent two years teaching English in Ehime, Japan. Now back in the UK, she spends her time blogging, self-studying Japanese and wrangling a very genki toddler.